Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, held a key meeting with the World Bank mission to review the results of the ongoing Air Pollution and Climate Change Management project in Greater Cairo. The project, being implemented with a $200 million investment from the World Bank, target addressing the region’s environmental challenges, particularly air pollution, and fostering sustainable waste management practices.
The meeting, which was attended by Dr. Ali Abu Sena, Executive Director of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, Yasser Abdullah, Head of the Waste Management Regulatory Authority, and Dr. Mohamed Hassan, the National Project Coordinator, among others, covered the latest updates on various project components.
Key Updates and Developments
During the discussions, Fouad was briefed on the progress of several initiatives under the project. Notable among these is the electric bus project, with the first batch of buses expected to be delivered soon. The minister was also updated on the integrated waste management facility in the 10th of Ramadan city, and the planned closure of the Abu Zaabal landfill in Qalyubia. Timelines for these projects, along with financial frameworks and implementation challenges, were also reviewed.
Private Sector Engagement
A key focus of the discussions was how to enhance private sector participation in waste management. Dr. Fouad emphasized the importance of creating favorable contract models for private sector involvement, especially in the waste management facility in 10th of Ramadan city. She also discussed mechanisms for supporting private enterprises and reducing risks, encouraging their active engagement in the sector. In this regard, the minister highlighted a recent announcement by Egypt’s Prime Minister, which included waste management among the sectors eligible for “green incentives” under the new Investment Law.
Advancements in Air Quality Monitoring
Dr. Fouad also took the opportunity to review the latest developments in air pollution control. These include improvements to air quality monitoring systems, with investments in both capacity building and the provision of necessary equipment to enhance the nation’s environmental monitoring capabilities. The Minister reiterated the importance of the project in achieving tangible results that would lead to improved air quality in Greater Cairo.
World Bank’s Positive Assessment
The World Bank representatives commended the progress made thus far under the project, noting that technical evaluations conducted over the past few days confirmed the strong momentum in the project’s implementation. The Bank praised the Ministry of Environment’s leadership in driving the project forward and highlighted the success achieved in the waste management component, which they described as a model for future initiatives in the region.
Looking Ahead
Fouad concluded the meeting by reaffirming her commitment to expediting the completion of the project’s activities. The project represents a significant step toward improving urban air quality, promoting sustainable waste management, and positioning Egypt as a regional leader in environmental initiatives.
